1996 Inductees

Brian Davies in the early 1960s, was one of the founders of AYSO Region 22 in La Mirada, Calif. He held many positions within AYSO, including coach, referee, Area Director, Regional Commissioner, regional chief referee and national director of officiating. Two other AYSO hall of famers share a close bond with Brian. Jokingly, the late Ken Aston use to refer to Brian, Bill Mason and himself as "The Holy Trinity" of AYSO.

Paul Harris is a longtime referee for AYSO who officiated at an estimated 1,700 games. He also served as the director of officiating and as national chief referee. He helped organize the first AYSO soccer camp and has written 19 books on soccer, including the classic Fair or Foul.

Bill Hughes is one of AYSO founders. He served as the organization's first executive secretary. As AYSO began to take shape, he insisted the "Everyone Plays' philosophy had to stay. "I stood up and told them, 'If you do not let everyone play, you will ruin the program.'"

In the mid 1960s, Norm Jackson officiated at AYSO's first championship game. He also served as a volunteer coach and national director of coaching. After his days at AYSO, he coached the North Torrance high School soccer team and then El Camino College Junior College teams. He went on to be an announcer at professional soccer games.

George "Scotty" Kay played professional soccer in Scotland before he moved to the United States. He was AYSO's first coach in 1964. He focused is energy on player development and making training enjoyable. His commitment to his youth athletes caused many to call him "the best coach ever." He died in 1995.

Sigi Schmid played fullback for the first AYSO team ever, coach George "Scotty" Kay's Firefighters. He went on to play at UCLA, where he was the first American ever recruited to the Bruins' soccer team. He became the UCLA soccer coach in 1984. In 1994, he was the assistant coach for the U.S. National Team during the World Cup. Sigi was the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy from 1999-2004. While Sigi was the head coach for the Crew in 2008, the Crew won the MLS championship. Sigi currently is head coach of the Seattle Sounders.

Hans Stierle is one of AYSO's founding fathers. He served as its first chairman and first president. He also served as executive director and national director of public affairs. He designed the traditional AYSO logo and the "PLAYSOCCER" slogan. In 1991, Soccer America magazine named Hans one of "20 Men of Influence" in American soccer from his 12 years as AYSO president.

Bill Wolstencroft coached one of AYSO's first teams in its inaugural season in Torrance, Calif. He coordinated a cultural exchange program called "Friendship through Soccer during the 1970s. He went on to serve as a regional commissioner, national secretary and a member of the national board of directors.